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How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
Completed my training in 1991 at the Auckland College of Education. I went straight from high school to train to become a teacher. I’ve been an educator for 30 years. Upon graduating it was difficult to get a job, so I worked in an office environment for six months before gaining my first teaching position. Which is quite a contrast to today’s situation where we’re in the midst of a teaching crisis. I’ve taught at several schools in south and east Auckland and London where I spent two years teaching while travelling around Europe. During my career I’ve also had the opportunity to work in the area of learning support, specialising in learning and behaviour. I’ve been a deputy principal at three schools (Hingaia Peninsula School, Botany Downs Primary, and Beachlands School) prior to being appointed as principal at Beachlands School.
When did you become principal of Beachlands School?
I was appointed in November, 2024.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
At Beachlands School, it’s the opportunity to create a positive learning environment where both students and staff feel inspired and supported. Contributing to the school’s culture and vision – Everyday Learning and Growing Together – Me Mātau Ra – is incredibly fulfilling. Watching students grow from their very first day as five-year-olds to their final Year 8, experiencing success along the way, is a truly rewarding journey. Another highlight is working alongside passionate teachers and a supportive school community. Collaborating with staff, parents, and the wider Beachlands community strengthens our school and enhances student success. We’re very fortunate to have a community that supports so many of our activities and initiatives to make our school the amazing place it is. Connections with whanau are crucial to ensure success and we’re very grateful for their ongoing support. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities but knowing we’re positively impacting students’ lives makes it all worthwhile.
What’s special about Beachlands School?
It’s the heart of the community. We enjoy connecting with the wider community and enjoy our partnership with Takutai Trust, which runs some wonderful initiatives in the community that allow our students to participate and in return support our school on many levels. We have a playcentre right next door that also has a strong community/family focus. We’re lucky to have a fantastic relationship to ensure children have a successful transition to school. As the community grows, we continue to grow our connections throughout the Pohutukawa Coast. Our PTA works tirelessly to create not only school events but community events that bring everyone together to fundraise and benefit students at Beachlands School. Together we have some exciting initiatives planned for the future that ensure our children benefit.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?
Currently in education there is a serious lack of support for our students with additional needs – learning or behavioural. Our staff spend many hours on applications that end up on lengthy waiting lists and most recently we’ve been unable to even be added to the waiting list. We desperately need more funding so every single student can have equitable access to support. We have an incredible team of learning assistants that we simply cannot be without. We need more of these in every classroom to support the diverse range of learning and behavioural needs. The lack of New Zealand-trained teachers has meant significant pressure is placed on our current teachers to support overseas trained teachers. We’re losing younger teachers overseas where they’re paid a considerable amount more than in New Zealand. Often our beginning teachers especially in Auckland cannot afford the basics such as rent, power and petrol to actually get to their job. Our profession needs to be elevated to ensure we offer an attractive competitive career path. Workload is increased with government initiatives especially in the current time with new curriculums being implemented. While these will actually be beneficial for our students, often lack of relievers prevents teachers attending the professional development to ensure effective implementation of these curriculums.
How is the relationship between Beachlands School and its immediate local community?
We’re very fortunate to have a supportive school community. With all the sporting and extra-curricular events we participate in, we couldn’t do it without our parent supporters – helping with coaching and driving to ensure our school is represented. We also run some within school support programmes that our community assists us with. Connections and working together to see our students experience success in a variety of aspects is a real partnership with our community.
